Austria won the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with “Rise Like a Phoenix.”
The song was performed by Conchita Wurst, the stage persona of Austrian singer Thomas Neuwirth. Austria won the final in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 10 May 2014, receiving 290 points. The Netherlands finished second and Sweden placed third.
“Rise Like a Phoenix” was a dramatic orchestral pop song written by Charley Mason, Joey Patulka, Ali Zuckowski and Julian Maas. Conchita’s performance, including a ball gown and distinctive beard, attracted international attention and became a prominent message of tolerance and acceptance.
Austria’s victory was its second Eurovision win. Its first had come in 1966, when Udo Jürgens won with “Merci, Chérie.” The 48-year gap between Austrian victories was among the longest waits between wins for a returning successful country.
Conchita’s result is sometimes reduced to a novelty story, but the entry also earned broad jury and public support. The win made Austria the host broadcaster for the 2015 contest in Vienna.